Need help finding a bit of Enterprise design trivia

[TIN_MAN]

Years ago I read somewhere about the origin of the ’Enterprise Evolution’ art that was sold by Lincoln Enterprises back in the 70’s and 80’s, but I can’t seem to have any luck tracking down the source.

It may have been in one of Susan Sackett’s books or one of the “Making of” books that have come out over the years, but since my library isn’t as extensive as it used to be, I can’t say for sure.

Anyway, the gist of the story was that either just before, or just after, Roddenberry had approved the final design for the Enterprise, and knowing that the CBS guys were coming in to give the final yea or nay, Roddenberry told Jefferies to prepare some art representing the various different concepts, but to make sure the one they had picked looked the best so that the NBC guys would end up ratifying the one they had already approved.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Can anyone tell me where this comes from?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[ZapBrannigan]

I think Gene has an anecdote in The Making of Star Trek, and it's probably made up, that when he was putting Jefferies through so many design iterations for the Enterprise, a studio executive said, "What's the problem, Baby? Just take a cigar shape, put some windows on it, and move on!"

But I don't recall anything helpful for you.

 

[TIN_MAN]

Thanks, but I'm familiar with that story.

Though It does speak to general sense that "the suits" were getting a little perturbed at GR, to say the least, for taking so long to come up with a design.